What is snow foam?

You’ve probably seen photos of cars covered in white, foamy suds when it comes to valets. But what is this and why do we use it?

This is referred to as snow foam. It forms part of a process that is known as a two bucket method or safe washing.

What is snow foam, two bucket method and safe washing?

Snow foam is a pre wash product that is applied via a specialist cannon. The purpose of this is to break down dirt and grime via a thick foam that is left on the vehicle for up to 15 minutes to ‘dwell’. The dwelling process helps to breaks down dirt and debris, pulling it down the vehicle and running off. Once sufficient dwelling has taken place, the vehicle is thoroughly jet washed off leaving a smoother, cleaner surface, ready for the safe wash process.

Example of a snow foam

Safe washing is a process which reduces the infliction of marring, swirls and scratches. The most efficient way is the ‘two bucket’ method. Essentially, this is two buckets with grit guards at the bottom of them. One bucket for rinsing the wash mitt when it’s contaminated with dirt & debris, the other for fresh, soapy water to dunk the wash mitt back into before going onto the next panel of the vehicle.

The grit guard is a plastic device that sits in the bottom of each bucket. The purpose of these is to trap debris at the very bottom of the bucket, not allowing debris to come back up above the grit guard.

Two bucket method in action.

Method for safe washing

To wash a vehicle, Premier Shine start from the roof and work our way down,. Followed by the windscreen and side glass, wing mirrors, bonnet, wings and doors, front bumper, lower sill, then back of the vehicle, starting with the glass first then working our way down to the bumper.

Once thoroughly washed, another rinse off stage to remove all soap & suds.

Safe washing forms part of all our valeting services. For more information, or to make a booking, please head to our booking system.

Emily W